Pentax Optio E60 : The brand name changed, but the camera brand’s logo is the same as before. HOYA Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the new Pentax Optio E60 compact digital camera, an entry-class camera that is easy to use and has an increased effective pixel count of approximately 10.1 megapixels, allowing even beginners to enjoy high-definition images. In addition to using easily-obtainable AA batteries as the power source, the Pentax E60 is newly equipped with an optical 3x zoom lens that enables for a wide angle of view. This makes it easy to photograph group shots indoors as well as landscapes in a range that is wider than conventional models.

Pentax Optio W60 : Pentax Imaging Company has announced the Pentax Optio W60 compact digital camera. Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Pentax W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Pentax Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing. Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5X optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Pentax Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). The Pentax Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for US $329.95 in a choice of two colors: Ocean Blue and Silver.

Pentax photography equipment discount for Students : Pentax Imaging Company has announced a Pentax Student Photography Program to support budding photographers and photography educators with camera bodies, lenses and flashes at significant savings. Known for producing photography equipment that offers value, quality, ease-of-use, durability, and affordability, Pentax takes great pride in the commitment to countless users who have learned and taught the art of photography with a Pentax digital camera. The Pentax Student Photography discounts are offered exclusively to full-time students at accredited institutions (high schools, colleges and universities) as well as full-time photography educators.

Win a Digital SLR with Pentax Sail Away Program : Pentax Imaging Company has launched the Pentax Sail Away Program to introduce consumers to select models of binoculars. From now until May 31, 2008, any customer who participates in a Pentax binocular demonstration will qualify to enter the Pentax Sail Away Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Cruise West cruise for two from Costa Rica through the Panama Canal or Pentax products. A binocular demonstration consists of visiting a participating retailer and asking for a hands-on demonstration of one of the binocular models or viewing a binocular product video available on-line. Winners of the Pentax Sail Away Program will be announced in June 2008.

Pentax Optio V20 : Pentax has announced the Pentax Optio V20 compact digital camera with a 5x zoom lens, 8.0 megapixels, and a generous 3.0 inch LCD monitor. Ultra-slim and stylish in design, the latest Pentax V20 compact digital camera makes it easy to capture and to view images. Three innovative features on the Pentax Optio V20 help users optimize portrait photographs. A Face Recognition function automatically detects and focuses on faces, then sets the optimum exposure. Smile Capture detects the key facial expression of happy people and releases the shutter automatically. Blink Detection reports to the user whether any subjects closed their eyes in an image, so that the shot may be recaptured if necessary.

Pentax interview at PMA : January of this year Pentax introduced two new digital SLR cameras. One of the models, the Pentax K20D has been equipped with a 14 Megapixel image sensor. This is quite surprising and Pentax together with Samsung (GX20) are now delivering a digital SLR camera for the amateur with the highest resolution ever. Bas de Meijer had an appointment with John Carlson, Product Manager Imaging Systems, Pentax USA, on the last day of the PMA 2008 to go through a few subjects with him. Besides the interesting offer of DSLR cameras, Pentax also offer a line of compact cameras (Optio) but it seems that this segment gets less attention lately. Time to get some answers as to Pentax's plans for 2008; an interview with John Carlson.

Pentax K20D test photos : After the press conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I was able to take the new Pentax K20D with me into the desert and the environment of Dubai. Although the new K20D DSLR was a pre-production model we are able to publish the first test shots. Keep in mind that the firmware was not final so the image quality should be judged accordingly. Unfortunately due to an unexpected visit of President Bush to Dubai some of the planned events had to be cancelled. Thanks to a flexible organization we had some time to visit last-minute locations. One thing was impossible to influence, the weather conditions. Instead of sunny weather we had cloudy and rainy forecasts. The Pentax K20 D has an estimate price of EUR 1299 (kit).

Pentax K20D digital SLR camera : The new Pentax K20D sets forth to build on the success of the acclaimed Pentax K10D which set new standards and established itself as a leading model in its class. A completely new camera concept has been developed for the Pentax K20D that clearly raises the standard for this class of digital SLR with its high performance features and extensive functions. Outwardly it is immediately clear that the Pentax K20D meets professional standards with its dust and splash-proof body. At the heart of the camera is a CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 14.6 megapixels with extremely low noise characteristics. A further new development is Pixel mapping that interpolates failed pixels, avoiding disturbing white spots in the final image.